What began as a routine journey to a worksite turned into a deadly ambush in Abia State on Friday, as two Chinese expatriates and their police escort were gunned down by unidentified assailants. The attack, which occurred in the Uturu area of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, has sent shockwaves through the state, raising concerns over the safety of foreign nationals and security personnel operating in high-risk zones.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Abia State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the incident happened around 5:30 p.m. on April 4. The Chinese nationals were en route to their company site at Agukwu-Amaya in the Ndundu community when the convoy was ambushed.
Killed in the attack were Mr. Quan and Mr. Cai—both employees of the company—and Inspector Audu Saidu, a police officer assigned to the security team. The attackers also made away with Inspector Saidu’s service rifle, further intensifying the alarm surrounding the incident.
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In the wake of the ambush, the police launched a joint operation in collaboration with the Nigerian military and other sister security agencies. The effort, spearheaded by the Divisional Police Officer of Uturu and reinforced by local support, led to the rescue of four other Chinese expatriates and two police officers.
Three of the expatriates were rescued unscathed, while one sustained injuries. Inspector Uba Ahmed was also found with a gunshot wound to his leg. Both the injured officer and the wounded expatriate are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Another police officer, Inspector Ijeagwa Friday, was also successfully rescued, thanks to a coordinated effort that involved not only security operatives but also vigilant members of the local community.
A tactical team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) visited the crime scene on Saturday, April 5, as investigations and manhunts continue. The police have intensified efforts to track down the attackers and recover the stolen weapon.
Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Danladi Isa, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and pledged that the perpetrators of the “heinous crime” will be brought to book. He called on residents to remain calm, assuring them that the police are working tirelessly to secure lives and property across the state.
“We urge members of the public to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station. The safety of our communities remains our top priority,” CP Isa stated.
This incident adds to a growing list of violent attacks on expatriates and security operatives across Nigeria, particularly in remote or volatile areas.
While many foreign firms have continued operations despite risks, events like the Uturu ambush highlight the urgent need for improved security measures and intelligence-driven policing.
As Abia mourns the loss of lives, and as others recover from injuries sustained, one thing is clear: the need for stronger collaboration between security agencies and communities has never been more vital.
